PHOENIX—Marking the latest phase in the brand’s rapid expansion in the Middle East, Best Western International has opened its first property in the Saudi Arabian Holy City of Makkah.

Last year, Best Western launched its first hotels in Saudi Arabia, Oman and Jordan, and this year, the company debuted in Kuwait. By the end of 2015, Best Western plans to be operating at least 3,600 hotel rooms across 22 properties in eight Middle Eastern countries including an additional 1,200-room Best Western Premier in Makkah.

Located in the cultural center of Makkah (also known as Mecca), just a few minutes’ drive from the Holy Mosque, the Best Western Plus Bakkah Awan Hotel is situated for travelers visiting the city for the two annual pilgrimages, the Hajj and Umrah.

As a Best Western Plus property, the hotel features a range of facilities including a restaurant, coffee shop, kid’s club and business center. There is also a shuttle bus service offering transfers to the Holy Mosque. “Tourism in Saudi Arabia is booming. Religious and pilgrimage travel is one of the fastest-growing sectors of the industry, and Makkah is at its heart,” stated Glenn de Souza, Best Western’s VP International Operations – Asia & the Middle East.

The hotel’s 152 guestrooms all come equipped with modern amenities such as free Internet cable TV, coffee and tea making facilities, safes and refrigerators. Several adjoining rooms are available for larger groups and families.